Two standout leaders in the collegiate baseball community—Tom Griffin of Carson-Newman University (Tenn.) and Kermit Smith of Appalachian State University (N.C.)—have been selected as the recipients of the 2026 ABCA Dave Keilitz Ethics in Coaching Award.
Recognized for their unwavering commitment to character, mentorship, and the values outlined in the ABCA Code of Ethics, Griffin and Smith exemplify what it means to lead with integrity on and off the field. The pair will be formally honored during the 2026 ABCA Convention, taking place January 8–11 in Columbus, Ohio.
During his time at Carson-Newman, Tom Griffin has earned a national reputation as one of the most respected catching instructors and collegiate coaches in the game.
Griffin completed his 20th season at the helm of the Carson-Newman program in 2025 and has spent 28 years as a collegiate head coach, compiling a 746-574-2 (.564) career record. Known for his expertise in catching instruction, Griffin is a staple at national events such as CatcherCON and has been a featured clinician at four ABCA Conventions.
He also served as a coach in the Prospect Development League from 2021 to 2023 and has been a guest speaker at state coaching conventions across the country. In addition to coaching, Griffin holds the role of Assistant Athletic Director for Coaching Development at Carson-Newman.
His impact on Tennessee baseball was recognized with his induction into the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2024, highlighting a career defined by teaching, mentorship, and passion for the game.
Kermit Smith has established himself as a trusted leader in collegiate baseball, guiding multiple programs to success while taking on key roles both on the field and within the broader coaching community.
Smith completed his ninth season at Appalachian State in 2025 and has previously served as head coach at both Lander University (S.C.) and Belmont Abbey College (N.C.). At both programs, he led teams to NCAA Division II College World Series appearances and has now amassed over 600 career victories.
A three-time ABCA Regional Coach of the Year, Smith has held leadership roles on campus and within his conference, including chairing the coaches’ council at Belmont Abbey. His impact extends beyond the diamond, as evidenced by being honored with the 2024 App State Fellowship of Christian Athletes Influence Award.
Smith was also selected to coach in USA Baseball’s Prospect Development League in 2022, further demonstrating his reputation as a mentor, educator, and leader within the collegiate baseball community.
The American Baseball Coaches Association believes that the highest calling of a baseball coach is to teach life’s lessons and model the character traits of honesty, integrity, respect and personal responsibility. The ABCA Ethics in Coaching Award honors individuals who embody the ABCA Code of Ethics. In 2017, the award was named in honor of ABCA Board Member, Hall of Fame inductee and former Executive Director Dave Keilitz.